Thorns

 

We chose not to eat from the poisonous tree

for those who did became caricatures of themselves

“Pod People” to the nth degree.

We knew what to expect

having seen “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”

but were ill-prepared for this reality

where gaslighting’s become the norm

where what you see’s “not what you see.”

I believe we can weather any storm,

still it takes certain bravery

to stand against prevailing winds.

Those rigid in their righteousness

will choose to break before they’ll bend

The world we know is fast imploding,

each of us must pick our fate–
safe haven feels so distant now

the laws and rules we held, corroding.

I choose to stand against the gale,

to set my face into the wind–

to hold onto my core beliefs.

Beware the “cat ladies” now reborn

it's we that hide the sharpest thorns.

© G. Brannan 2025